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MAA Meetings

The 2011 Joint Mathematics Meetings!

New Orleans, January 6-9, 2011

The 2011 Joint Mathematics Meetings in New Orleans set a new record of attendance with 5,986 registered participants. The previous attendance record was set at the 2007 JMM in New Orleans. Researchers from all specialties of mathematics presented over 2000 papers, another new record for the JMM.

Wavelets are functions that satisfy certain mathematical properties and are used to represent data or other functions. They work extremely well in analyzing data with finite domains having different scales or resolutions. Interesting applications include digital image processing, FBI fingerprint compression, signal processing of audio files, de-noising noisy data, earthquake prediction, and solving partial differential equations. Wavelets have typically been studied at the graduate level, but are making their way into the undergraduate curriculum. We are interested in presentations that effectively incorporate wavelets in an innovative way at the undergraduate level. This may include an undergraduate course in wavelets; a topic on wavelets in some other course using, but not limited to, hands-on demonstrations, projects, labs that utilize technology such as Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, Java applets, etc.; or research opportunities for undergraduates.

Cryptology for Undergraduates

In increasing numbers, cryptology courses are being developed to address the interest and to serve the needs of undergraduate mathematics and computer science majors. Typical courses may include modules dealing with counting problems, probability, number theory and matrices. Cryptology is also appearing as a topic in mathematics courses for non-majors, as it has been recognized as a hook to interest these students in mathematics. As experience in offering these courses grows, innovative and interesting approaches to this topic are being developed. This contributed paper session solicits presentations that address topics appropriate for undergraduate cryptology courses for mathematics or computer science majors, or presentations of cryptological topics or projects that could interest and motivate non-mathematics majors.

Modeling in the ODE Driver?s Seat

Like many topics in applied mathematics, a course in differential equations is at its best when driven up front by compelling applications. For a typical introductory course in ordinary differential equations this means physical situations and associated modeling that lead naturally to first and second order equations, systems of differential equations, numerical methods, and matrix algebra. When applications and modeling drive the subsequent analysis and solution techniques, students have a better sense of not only where they are going, but why they are going there. We believe this, rather than an ``analysis first, applications later,'' approach keeps students more engaged in the material.

To this end we seek presenters who will share with the audience lessons and activities that instructors can use to introduce students to elementary ODE topics through a modeling-first approach. We are particularly interested in projects that encourage students to develop mathematical models from verbal descriptions or data, or involve hands-on ``laboratory experiments'' suitable for classroom use, computational experiments, or other data collection and analysis. The activities should drive students to master new analytical techniques, make predictions, and assess the reasonableness of their predictions. We especially welcome fresh multidisciplinary projects involving modern applications.

The Mathematics of Sustainability

Topics such as sustainable harvesting of food and natural resources, development of sustainable energy sources, conservation and recycling, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, new types of ?green? buildings, etc are ideas which have now become global issues. This session is intended to encourage papers from colleagues who have used sustainability models or discussion in their undergraduate mathematics classroom.

Papers for this session should describe how mathematical sustainability models/discussions have been used in the undergraduate mathematics classroom. Models/discussion may include but are not limited to: global warming; green house gas models; sustainable use of resources including food, water, minerals; power generation; conservation and sustainable structures.

Faculty members who have participated in interdisciplinary programs, classes, projects, or assignments are encouraged to present. Papers from all undergraduate mathematical courses or interdisciplinary courses with a mathematics component are welcome and encouraged.

Games and puzzles such as Sudoku, Nim, origami, SET, Mancala, Slitherlink, magic squares, flexagons, Chomp, Rubik's cubes, Farkle, knights tours, and many more provide a fertile ground for open and accessible problems for both faculty and undergraduate research projects. Investigations of such games and puzzles span a surprisingly wide range of mathematical topics, including number theory, probability, integer programming, game theory, graph theory, algorithms, combinatorics, algebra, and even topology.

This contributed paper session is for talks about faculty research, upper-level and lower-level classroom activities, and possible undergraduate research projects that relate to the mathematical structure of games and puzzles. We invite papers for any type of game or puzzle, in any field of mathematics. Talks should be entertaining and accessible to an audience of both faculty and students but must also contain significant mathematical content. Speakers are encouraged to bring handouts of puzzles or games, involve the audience in a game or puzzle, and/or discuss open problems in their topic, as appropriate.

New and Continuing Connections between Math and the Arts

Connections between Math and the Arts are as old as the earliest visual representations of basic mathematical concepts and as new as computer representations of deep mathematical results ? and are certainly not restricted to the visual arts! They are manifest in cultures east, west, north, and south. This session is open for exploration of these connections in any of their varied forms but will include a particular thread of math-art connections in cultural contexts. This could mean, for example, from an ethnomathematics perspective, in a particular historical context, or in a particular contemporary subculture such as middle school English students or practicing topologists! The session is sponsored by SIGMAA-ARTS.

Humanistic mathematics is an approach to mathematics as a human endeavor. The phrase itself is an umbrella term for various threads of inquiry that deal with aesthetic, historical, literary, pedagogical, philosophical, psychological and sociological aspects of doing, learning and teaching mathematics. This session will bring together an eclectic collection of scholarly work that focuses on the people of mathematics, whether they be learners, teachers or practitioners.

Submissions on all humanistic aspects of mathematics are invited. We are especially looking for work that brings together more than one strand of humanistic mathematics and encourage submissions that will stimulate discussion and further inquiry. Appropriate for this session are papers that discuss how a particular philosophical approach to mathematics can impact classroom pedagogy, how aesthetic ideas influenced the history of mathematics, or how one can use fiction in a mathematics classroom, as well as reflections upon large movements like calculus reform within their historical context, or critical discussions of the mathematical profession; other themes are also welcome as long as they fit in with the humanistic focus of the session. Submissions should be aimed at a broad mathematical audience.

This session will highlight successful implementations of biomathematics courses and content in undergraduate curriculum, entire biomathematics curricula, efforts to recruit students into biomathematics courses, involvement of undergraduate students in biomathematics research, preparation for graduate work in biomathematics and computational biology or for medical careers, and assessment of how these courses and activities impact the students.

Several reports emphasize that aspects of biological research are becoming more quantitative and that life science students should be introduced to a greater array of mathematical and computational techniques and to the integration of mathematics and biological content at the undergraduate level. Most recently, the 2009 document, "Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians" co-published by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, recommends that future physicians need increased quantitative training. Topics may include scholarly work addressing the issues related to the design of effective biomathematics courses and curricula, how best to gear content toward pre-med students, integration of biology into existing mathematics courses, collaborations between mathematicians and biologists that have led to new courses, course modules, or undergraduate research projects, effective use of appropriate technology in biomathematics courses, and assessment issues. This session is sponsored by BIO SIGMAA.

Do you teach a non-traditional selection of topics or use different methods in your introductory statistics course? Do you teach topics in a different order from the standard descriptives, probability, basic inference? What have you let go of from the traditional course? Tell us about your course ? especially what makes it successful. We encourage contributions from specialized statistics courses such as those for business majors, biostats, etc. Also of interest are different methods of delivery, such as hybrid or on-line courses.

Successful teaching in statistics and the GAISE guidelines promote conceptual understanding, and encourage active participation. We invite submissions that provide details about how different approaches have proven successful in teaching introductory statistics courses. They may be organized to attract the attention and interest of students or to serve students with particular needs.

This session is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Statistics Education. Presenters will be considered for the Dex Whittinghill Award for Best Contributed Paper.

Innovative and Effective Ways to Teach Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is one of the most interesting and useful areas of mathematics, because of its beautiful and multifaceted theory, as well as the enormous importance it plays in understanding and solving many real world problems. Consequently, many valuable and creative ways to teach its rich theory and its many applications are continually being developed and refined. This session will serve as a forum in which to share and discuss new or improved teaching ideas and approaches.

These innovative and effective ways to teach linear algebra include, but are not necessarily limited to:

hands-on, in-class demos;

effective use of technology, such as Matlab, Maple, Mathematica, Java applets or Flash;

interesting and enlightening connections between ideas that arise in linear algebra and ideas in other mathematical branches;

Mathematics Experiences in Business, Industry and Government

The MAA Business, Industry and Government Special Interest Group (BIG SIGMAA) provides resources and a forum for mathematicians working in Business, Industry and Government (BIG) to help advance the mathematics profession by making connections, building partnerships, and sharing ideas. BIG SIGMAA consists of mathematicians in BIG as well as faculty and students in academia who are working on BIG problems.

Mathematicians, including those in academia, with BIG experience are invited to present papers or discuss projects involving the application of mathematics to BIG problems. The goal of this contributed paper session sponsored by BIG SIGMAA is to provide a venue for mathematicians with experience in business, industry, and government to share projects and mathematical ideas in this regard. Anyone interested in learning more about BIG practitioners, projects, and issues, will find this session of interest.

Treasures from the Past: Using Primary Sources in the Classroom

The use of primary sources in teaching is a growing trend in collegiate and even secondary education. It consists in presenting the writings of researchers from the historical past, either in their original language or in translation, directly to students. In reading, deciphering and analyzing the original documents, students gain a rich understanding of not only the mathematics, but of its development and of how mathematics is practiced, both currently and historically.

This session promotes the use of original sources in the mathematical sciences in teaching. Submissions may address how specific mathematical texts of historical significance, or even secondary sources in the history of mathematics, have been used effectively in the classroom. Speakers may also present general ideas on how to implement the use of original sources in the teaching of mathematics.

Philosophy of Mathematics in Teaching and Learning

Mathematicians usually ignore philosophical issues while teaching. Yet we frequently make ontological and epistemological commitments in much of what we do in the classroom. Every time we use a proof by induction or contradiction, discuss the existence or non-existence of a mathematical object, or refer to the discovery or creation of some piece of mathematics, we are endorsing some philosophical view of our subject.

This session will focus on the recognition and use of the philosophy of mathematics in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Can we understand mathematics without a philosophical context? Papers are encouraged to address questions such as: What philosophical issues (such as the nature of mathematical objects, the method of mathematical proof, and the nature of mathematical knowledge) belong in a mathematics course? How? In which course(s)? In what ways does the consideration of philosophical issues enhance a mathematics, or mathematics related, course? What does a learner gain by contact with issues from the philosophy of mathematics?

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is a growing field in which faculty bring disciplinary knowledge to bear on questions of teaching and learning and use student-based evidence to support their conclusions. Work in this area emphasizes pedagogical techniques and questions. The scope of the research can range from small, relatively informal investigations about teaching innovations in the classroom to larger or more formal investigations of student learning.

Reports that address issues concerning the teaching and learning of postsecondary mathematics are invited. Appropriate for this session are reports of classroom-based investigations of teaching methods, student learning difficulties, or curricular assessment. Papers must discuss more than anecdotal evidence. For example, papers might reference the following types of evidence: student work, pre/post tests, interviews, surveys, think-alouds, etc.

The goals of this session are to: feature scholarly work focused on teaching of postsecondary mathematics; provide a venue for mathematicians to make public their scholarly work on teaching; and highlight evidence-based arguments for the value of teaching innovations.

Influences of the Calculus Reform Movement on the Teaching of Mathematics

In this session, speakers will address ways in which various aspects of the ?calculus reform movement? have affected their own approach to teaching mathematics. Calculus reform, now over 25 years old, has influenced the teaching of undergraduate mathematics in many ways and at all levels (including both pre- and post-calculus courses) ? so much that the old (artificial) lines between ?traditional? and ?reform? have become blurred. From changing the amount of time spent on conceptual or computational topics to incorporation of appropriate technology to modification of ?delivery? to the use of projects, to name but a few possibilities, various aspects of the vision of the reform movement have inspired teachers to make changes in the ways they approach their courses. Discussions of both pedagogy/teaching strategies and course/curriculum design will be considered and foci may range from the individual course/instructor to the department/institution level.

Presentations need not be on published research, but scholarly talks that provide evidence and reflection on that evidence are preferred. Most importantly, this session is not a forum for pro- or anti-reform rhetoric; rather, it is an opportunity to share ideas and results with interested colleagues. Sponsored by the Committee on the Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics.

We seek to address all of the college level courses below calculus, with particular emphasis on offerings in college algebra and precalculus that focus on conceptual understanding, the use of real-world data, and mathematical modeling to support the needs of the partner disciplines. One of several interrelated national initiatives currently being conducted by The MAA committee on Curriculum Renewal Across the First Two Years (CRAFTY), with the assistance of several other MAA committees, is to change the focus in the courses below calculus to better serve the majority of students taking these courses. The goal of this initiative, as expressed in CRAFTY?s College Algebra Guidelines, is to encourage courses that place much greater emphasis on conceptual understanding and realistic applications via mathematical modeling compared to traditional courses where the primary emphasis is on developing algebraic skills that may be needed for mainstream calculus. The second initiative is the next round of the Curriculum Foundations project in which leading educators from various quantitative disciplines are brought together to discuss and develop recommendations to the mathematics community on the current mathematical needs of their students.

For this session, we specifically seek presentations that

present new visions for such courses,

discuss experiences teaching such courses, particularly collaborations with other disciplines,

The nature of communication has changed substantially in the last 20 years. In particular, the proliferation of mobile communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, etc.) and online communication tools (Twitter, Facebook, virtual worlds, etc.) has had a profound effect on the way people communicate. Many instructors view this proliferation as a challenge, for example, text messaging in class. This evolution of communication can also present new learning opportunities for our students. This session gives instructors who are using these communication systems in an innovative manner an opportunity to share their experiences using these new systems to enhance student learning and report on their effectiveness.

Mobile communication devices can include cell phones, smart phones, the iTouche, networked calculators or any other personal device having the ability to communicate wirelessly. Online communication tools can include Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking sites, and can also include other sites, such as Second Life, where communication takes place in a non-traditional manner. The focus of the reports should be on how the use of these communication devices/tools improve student learning of mathematics inside or outside the classroom. This session is sponsored by the Committee on Technologies in Mathematics Education (CTiME) and WEB SIGMAA

When confronted with the difficult task of involving students in the writing of a proof, many professors are unsure about how to proceed. Yet, they know (perhaps even from their own experience as students) how crucial student input is for learning. Should the students form groups to write the proof? Should one student present it at the board? How does one deal with the variety of learning styles students have? How does one effectively guide students so that they can write proofs on their own in homework assignments?

We seek novel ideas or approaches with evidence of their success in the classroom. Evidence to support the success of the idea or approach might include quantitative or qualitative measures (i.e. student responses, test scores, survey results, etc.) The members of our intended audience range from those new to teaching proof-based courses to those who have tried various methods in such classes

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of students take (and fail) Calculus every year at colleges and universities across the United States. Calculus frequently ranks near the top of ?killer courses? lists created by students and administrators alike. Instructors are continuously searching for new and innovative ways to increase student understanding of the material.

This session invites papers that focus on the use of supplemental activities, projects, and innovative methods of instruction in the undergraduate calculus sequence. Proposals may include descriptions of development or implementation of calculus activities (including technology based applets, group work activities, etc.), methods of instruction (including successful implementation of group, supplemental instruction sessions, etc.), and evidence of impact on student learning, success or attitudes. Proposals for both successful supplemental strategies as well as lessons learned from less successful attempts are invited. Presentations must be scholarly in nature; evidence of pedagogical effectiveness (or non-effectiveness) should be more than anecdotal, supported by quantitative or qualitative research.

Journals and Portfolios: Tools in Learning Mathematics??

Journals and portfolios are used in courses from college algebra to the calculus sequence and upper division courses as well as capstone courses and senior seminars. In order for these to be effective tools in learning mathematics, journals should allow for reflection on, response to, and synthesis of course material and portfolios should provide insight into the student?s thinking, understanding, and problem solving and/or proof skills, demonstrating her/his progress in the study of mathematics. This session invites presentations discussing the effective use of journals/portfolios as tools in reflection on learning mathematics concepts and methods as well as their use in the development and improvement of problem solving and/or proof-writing skills. Of particular interest are the use of journals and portfolios in courses for mathematics majors and pre-service teachers as well as in courses in which proof skills are developed and expanded such as geometry, number theory, abstract algebra, real and/or complex analysis, and capstone courses and seminars. Presentations should address prompts used for journaling, the outline for materials and commentary to be included in portfolios, the assessment of journals/portfolios, and the effectiveness of the use of journals/portfolios in learning mathematics, which should be demonstrated by more than anecdotal means.

Fostering, Supporting and Propagating Math Circles for Students and Teachers

A math circle is broadly defined as a semi-formal, sustained enrichment experience that brings mathematics professionals in direct contact with pre-college students and/or their teachers. Circles foster passion and excitement for deep mathematics. The SIGMAA for Math Circles for Students and Teachers (SIGMAA MCST) supports MAA members who share an interest in developing, supporting and running math circles. It works to facilitate vertical integration of elementary, middle and high school students, their teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty up through high-level research mathematicians.

SIGMAA MCST invites speakers to present reports on Math Circle activities and their effectiveness in achieving articulated goals. Presentations are expected to be scholarly in nature and serve to offer clear guidance on fostering circle activity. This may be achieved via examination of the structure of the circle, matters related to instigating and supporting the circle, effective topics of activity, and/or presentation of innovative student product, for instance.

Secondary Mathematics Education prepares students for careers as secondary school mathematics teachers and provides opportunities to learn the processes of teaching and learning mathematics by providing both a strong foundation in mathematics content and hands-on experience in the classroom, stressing teaching philosophies and standards and principles of the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Future teachers need to fully understand the mathematics they present. Teaching methods include utilizing different assessment techniques, appropriately using technology to enhance students' mathematical thinking, and featuring the cultural, historical, and scientific evolution of mathematics.

This session invites presentations that describe successful course content, teaching methods, and projects or group work that are integrated into students? learning, effectively incorporating basic mathematical insights and leading to increased student enthusiasm for mathematics. This session may showcase curricular initiatives to improve learning and enhance the understanding of mathematical content for future secondary mathematics teachers. Presentations will also iterate the effect of methods on students. The session welcomes a range of mathematics courses, varying from Calculus and Modern Algebra to Discrete Mathematics and Modern Analysis. Presenters are encouraged from four-year institutions, liberal arts colleges, and universities of all sizes. Abstracts can be accepted from individuals or teams of mathematicians.

Many students are arriving at college today under-prepared for college-level mathematics courses. In order to help these students to be successful, we need to undertake new strategies for support services; courses offered; and perhaps even in our programs themselves. This session invites papers on all aspects of developmental mathematics education. In particular, what classroom practices are effective with such students and how does research in student learning inform these practices? For students interested in math-intensive majors such as the sciences, how can we best prepare these students for several subsequent mathematics courses? How can be best coordinate support services with the courses offered in our mathematics departments?

Using Program Assessment to Improve Student Learning

This session (sponsored by the MAA's Committee on Assessment) invites contributed papers from faculty whose departments not only have an assessment plan in place but also have completed at least one assessment cycle, including using the results to improve student learning. We ask you to address some of the following questions. How has your assessment process led to improved learning by your students? What problems did you find, either with the assessment plan itself or with your program? What changes did you make in your program? Have these changes led to the improvement you had hoped for? How have you documented that improvement? Where are you going next?

Innovations in Service-Learning at All Levels

Service learning is a growing concern on college campuses, but the mathematical sciences are sometimes seen as more challenging to bring into this valuable development (where the hyphen emphasizes the importance of connecting learning with service). Hence, this session will feature innovative and successful service-learning ideas in the mathematical sciences, at all levels and in all topics. This is a timely discussion for many mathematics departments, as some institutions now mandate a service component as a graduation requirement, and others have valuable partnerships with organizations such as Campus Compact or with local communities.

Talks concerning the scholarship of learning involving service are welcome, and should address how the service connects to learning the mathematical content of the course. We encourage anyone with documented success using service-learning in math courses to submit abstracts, particularly those involving non-major courses or non-?applied? major courses.

SIGMAA RUME Session: Research on the Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Mathematics

This session sponsored by the SIGMAA on RUME (Special Interest Group of the MAA on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education) presents research that addresses issues concerning the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics by employing established quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The presented research builds on the existing literature in mathematics education and is informed by cognitive and socio-cultural theories of learning. Proposals for reports of Research on Undergraduate Mathematics Education are invited. The research should build on the existing research literature and use established methodologies to investigate important issues in undergraduate mathematics teaching and learning.

The goals of the session are to share high quality research on undergraduate mathematics education with the broader mathematics community. The session will feature research in a number of mathematical areas including linear algebra, abstract algebra, and mathematical proof.

General Contributed Paper Session

Kristen Meyer, Wisconsin Lutheran College, and Thomas Hagedorn, The College of New Jersey